Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper Gl endoscopy allows your doctor to took directly into the beginning of your gastrointestinal (Gl) tract. The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) make up the upper Gl tract.

The Procedure

Upper endoscopy is usually performed with the patient lying on his or her left side.

The patient’s throat may be numbed with a spray or gargle. The patient is then given sedating (relaxing) medication through an intravenous (IV) line.

The patient swallows an endoscope (a long flexible tube that is thinner than most pieces of food that are swallowed when eating). The scope does not affect the ability of the patient to breathe normally. The sedating medication helps to keep the patient from gagging.

Air is inserted to help the doctor see well. It may cause burping.

The endoscope transmits images of the upper GI tract to a video screen.

After the completion of the procedure, the patient is observed closely until full alertness has returned. An adult must drive the patient home that day. The patient must not drive a car for at least 24 hours after the procedure.